A 16-year-old boy who tragically died after entering a lake during a heatwave could not swim, an inquest has heard. Muhammed Secka, described as a 'much loved' son and friend, went to Rother Valley Country Park in South Yorkshire with friends on May 25. Emergency services were called after he disappeared under the water, and his body was recovered the following day.
Inquest details
Senior coroner Nicola Mundy opened the inquest at Doncaster Coroner's Court on Tuesday before adjourning the hearing. Coroner's officer Siobhan Golightly told the court that Muhammed had been in the water with friends at around 7pm on the Bank Holiday Monday when he vanished from sight. The alarm was raised, and emergency services were contacted. His body was found in the early hours of the next day, and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. Ms Golightly said: 'It's reported that Muhammed was not able to swim.'
Post-mortem findings
The coroner stated that a post-mortem examination showed 'features in keeping with drowning,' but this is a preliminary conclusion subject to further investigations. The inquest was adjourned while inquiries continue. No family members were present at the hearing.
Tributes and fundraising
Friends and family paid tribute to Muhammed online through fundraising campaigns. One organiser said: 'Muhammed was a much-loved son, friend, student and member of the community who brought light, laughter and kindness to those around him. His loss has deeply affected everyone who knew him, and the pain felt by his family and loved ones is unimaginable.'
Heatwave drowning tragedies
Muhammed was one of at least 19 people who died after getting into trouble in open water during the recent heatwave. Other victims included Declan Sawyer, 15, who died at Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln; Reco Puttock, 13, who died at Leadbeater Dam near Halifax; and Chiedza Nyanjowa, 15, who died after getting into difficulty on Formby beach. The Mirror has launched the 'Save Lives for Sam' campaign with UK charities, bereaved parents, and Olympic champions to prevent the 'catastrophic' deaths of 33 children who drown in England every year, described as 'the equivalent of a classroom of children lost.'
